Alley Cats. (L to R) David Earl as Puke, Diane Morgan as Olive, Jo Hartley as Kitten, Ricky Gervais as Gus, Tom Basden as Ponce, Andrew Brooke as Fang, in Alley Cats. Cr. Courtesy of Netflix © 2026
Ricky Gervais is returning to Netflix with a brand-new series, but this time, he’s trading in his human form for something a little more feline. Alley Cats, a new adult animated sitcom created by and starring the multi-award-winning comedian, is officially set to drop on Netflix globally on August 7th, 2026, and we’ve got a new first look ahead of its big reveal in June.
As we previously reported during our coverage of the Netflix Annecy Film Festival 2026 lineup, Alley Cats has been quietly in the works and is shaping up to be one of the biggest animated releases of the summer. The series marks a new chapter in Gervais’ long-standing overall relationship with Netflix, which has previously been the exclusive home to his smash-hit comedy After Life, as well as a string of successful stand-up specials.
Here is everything you need to know about Alley Cats before it lands on Netflix this August.
What is the plot of Alley Cats?
If you were a fan of the poignant existential dread mixed with laugh-out-loud comedy in After Life and Derek, it sounds like you’re in for a treat.
Here is the official synopsis for the new series:
“Alley Cats is a sitcom created by and starring the multi award-winning Ricky Gervais. The adult animation follows the trials and tribulations of a group of feral British cats from all walks of society, who seek companionship while ruminating on everyday life. From the funny to the absurd, the series is packed with Gervais’ signature style of heart and social commentary that audiences have come to expect.”
Who is in the voice cast for Alley Cats?
Fans of Gervais’ previous work will be thrilled to see that he is bringing along a stacked cast of frequent collaborators. The voice booth is essentially an After Life and David Brent: Life on the Road reunion.
Here is the confirmed voice cast for Alley Cats and who they will be playing:
In addition to the core feral crew, the series will also feature voice work from Kerry Godliman (After Life), Natalie Cassidy (EastEnders), and Tony Way (After Life, Edge of Tomorrow).
Who is behind the animation and production?
Gervais serves as the creator, lead voice actor, and director for the series. He is joined by co-director Elliot Dear, a seasoned animation director known for his distinctive mixed-media style.
The animation itself is being handled by Blink Industries, the London-based BAFTA-nominated studio behind the cult-hit Don’t Hug Me I’m Scared and Netflix’s own Dead End: Paranormal Park. Tang Heng is attached as the production designer.
Ricky Gervais and Steven Hamilton Shaw serve as executive producers on the project.
Picture Credit: Netflix
Are you looking forward to checking out Alley Cats when it drops on Netflix on August 7th? Let us know in the comments down below!
